Victoria Azarenka was forced to withdraw from the 2023 Canadian Open in Montreal due to an injury.
After a first-round win at the WTA 1000 event in Montreal, the Belarusian became the player with the most victories at WTA 1000 tournaments, and in the second round, she could have extended that record against Sloane Stephens.
Initially, there was a chance that Azarenka would play against Ukrainian Anhelina Kalinina, so during the press conference, she had to answer a question about the handshake, a topic she doesn't really want to discuss.
However, that match didn't happen, as Stephens won and she was supposed to meet with Azarenka in a second-round match of two Grand Slam champions. But now, that also won't be happening due to an unfortunate injury.
In a statement provided after her withdrawal, Azarenka revealed that during her warm-up, she re-injured herself. The Belarusian also wished Stephens luck for the remainder of the tournament, and also mentioned that she was looking forward to coming back to Montreal.
Her comeback could possibly happen only in 2025 as next year, the women's event will be held in Toronto.
"Dear fans, I am sorry to say, but I have unfortunate news that during my warm up for tonight’s match, I re-injured a lingering injury that I thought was resolved and need to withdraw from the match. Wishing the event all the best success and good luck to Sloane for the rest of the tournament. I love Montreal and I look forward to coming back!"
While Azarenka will now focus on getting healthy for the upcoming Cincinnati Open, and the following US Open, Stephens will look to her third-round match, in which she will play against either the third-seeded Elena Rybakina, or Jennifer Brady, who met in a blockbuster second-round match.
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